DS Smith and Serele Super Partner to Replace Ten Million Plastic Packages with Sustainable Corrugated Cardboard Solutions

DS Smith, an International Paper company and global leader in fibre-based sustainable packaging, has announced a transformative partnership with Serele Super agricultural cooperative. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the packaging industry's shift toward circular economy practices. Over a three-year trial period, the companies successfully replaced ten million single-use plastic packages with innovative, recyclable fibre-based corrugated cardboard punnets designed specifically for fresh tomato products.

The DS Smith design team meticulously engineered four distinct corrugated cardboard punnet solutions to accommodate Serele Super's diverse fresh tomato product range, including specialized cherry tomato varieties. These innovative punnets feature angled corner designs and optimized dimensions that minimize empty space while maintaining product protection throughout the supply chain. The packaging incorporates 100% renewable and FSC-certified materials, wrapped in recyclable flexible film to enhance shelf appeal and consumer engagement in retail environments.

The partnership delivered remarkable environmental and operational benefits. The initiative achieved a 46% reduction in carbon emissions compared to PET plastic packaging, while simultaneously optimizing material consumption by up to 21% without compromising protective qualities. The new corrugated solutions proved faster and easier to pack on production lines, enhancing logistical efficiency for modern retail requirements. DS Smith's proprietary Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics tool were instrumental in measuring sustainability performance across eight critical indicators including carbon footprint, recyclability, supply chain optimization, and material utilization.